Trump Kennedy Center
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is seen, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, in Washington.
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Plaintiffs' attorneys challenging President Donald Trump's plans to close the Kennedy Center claim his administration is withholding records that document the scope of his influence over the center's management. In a court filing Sunday, those lawyers asked a judge to order the Trump administration to turn over emails and text messages that it has withheld based on its claims that they contain privileged presidential communications. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper didn’t immediately rule on their request. The list of withheld documents includes 19 text messages between Kennedy Center executive director and CEO Matt Floca and Trump executive assistant Natalie Harp.
The Kennedy Center has announced that Paul Anka, David Foster, Andy Garcia, David Mamet and Barbara Mandrell will be honored at this year's Kennedy Center Honors. The event will take place away from the iconic venue for the first time due to President Donald Trump's legal battle over renovations and naming rights. The nominees have had substantial careers in their fields. Mamet is a renowned playwright, while Mandrell is a Country Music Hall of Fame member. Anka, a longtime friend of Trump, has rewritten “My Way” with MAGA-themed lyrics. The ceremony will be held on December 7 at Washington's Capital One Arena.
